Glasgow-based Scottish Power is lowering domestic gas prices by 5 per cent while E.On UK is cutting electricity prices by 6 per cent.

The other four members of the so-called "big six" UK energy companies - EDF Energy, British Gas, SSE, and npower - announced similar cuts in energy prices earlier this year.

Tony Crocker, E.On UK chief executive, said, in a statement:

We understand that household bills are the most pressing concern for families across the country. Reductions over the last few months in the wholesale price that we pay for our customers' energy have now allowed us to help as many of our customers as possible by cutting our electricity price.

E.On UK has about 5m customers, and estimates the drop in electricity prices will save customers on average £31 annually.

ScottishPower supplies gas and electricity to 5.2 million customers throughout the UK.